Something smells in my house and I can’t find it! Help me!

You walk into your home, take a deep breath, and immediately think, ew what is that smell? Now, your life’s goal is to track down the source of the bad odor in your home ASAP. You understand that ignoring the issue could lead to long-term problems or even health risks. Are you too pulling out your hair in frustration, “Something smells in my house and I can’t find it! Help me”? Don’t worry, this guide is for you.

Let’s explore the most common causes of home smells, how to find them, and—most importantly—how to eliminate them for good.

What are the common culprits of bad smells in your home?

Natural gas leaks (similar to rotten egg smell)

If you detect a smell like rotten eggs, it could indicate a natural gas leak. Gas companies add a sulfur-like odor to help detect leaks. If you suspect this:

• Do not light matches or flip switches.
• Open windows for ventilation.
• Call your gas company immediately. Gas leaks are dangerous.

Sewer gas or sewage smells

If your house smells like a sewer, the culprit could be a dry P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under sinks that blocks sewer gas from entering your home). If a sink or floor drain hasn’t been used in a while, the water in the P-trap may have evaporated, allowing odors to escape. Simply running water down the drain can fix this.

Another possible source? A cracked or loose sewer vent pipe. If the smell persists, you may need a plumber to inspect your plumbing system.

Garbage disposal stench

Food debris stuck in your garbage disposal can create bad odors. Try grinding ice cubes and citrus peels to clean the blades. Or, pour a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain.

Hidden mold or mildew

A persistent musty smell often signals mold or mildew growth, which thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as basements, bathrooms, and behind walls. Check under sinks and behind walls for damp spots. You need to check for leaks, condensation, or humidity issues. A deep clean with mold-killing solutions (such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide) may be necessary but for significant mold problems, you may need professional remediation.

Washing machine odors

A musty smell coming from your washing machine is common, especially if it’s poorly ventilated. Remember, mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. To fix this:

• Run an empty cycle with vinegar or baking soda.
• Leave the door open between washes to air it out.
• Clean the detergent drawer and rubber seals regularly.

Dead rodents or pests

If the smell is particularly foul and seems to get worse, you might have a dead rodent in a wall, attic, or crawl space. In these cases, it’s best to contact pest control for removal and prevention measures.

Pets and their accidents

Even well-trained pets can sometimes have accidents, and their bedding can harbor bad smells over time. Clean pet areas frequently with enzymatic cleaners that break down odors instead of just masking them.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products

Ironically, some cleaning products release volatile organic compounds, which can cause strong chemical smells. That’s why it’s best to opt for fragrance-free or natural cleaners and ensure your home is well-ventilated.

How to find (and eliminate) the smell?

Few household annoyances are as frustrating as an unexplained bad odor that lingers despite your best efforts. Whether it’s a faint mustiness or a strong sewage-like stench, tracking down the source requires a systematic approach.

Follow your nose: The sniff test

Your nose is your best tool in this investigation. Start by walking slowly through your home, paying close attention to areas where odors tend to accumulate:

• Kitchen: Check under the sink, around the garbage disposal, the dishwasher filter, and behind the refrigerator (where food spills or spoiled items might lurk).
• Bathrooms: Inspect drains, shower stalls, toilet seals, and any hidden plumbing leaks.
• Laundry area: A musty smell often originates from the washing machine, especially if the door is kept closed between uses.
• Basement and crawl spaces: These areas are prone to dampness, mold, and sewer gas leaks from damaged pipes.
• HVAC vents and air ducts: Dust, mold, or even dead pests can cause foul home smells when air circulates.

Pro tip: If the smell is strongest in the morning or after running water, a dry P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under sinks) could be letting sewer gas seep in.

Check forgotten (and hidden) spots: The detective test

Some odors come from places you wouldn’t normally think to inspect. Be thorough and investigate:

• Behind and under home appliances: Move the fridge, stove, and washer/dryer—food debris, grease, or leaks could be hiding there.
• Inside cabinets and pantries: Expired food, spilled liquids, or even rodent activity can cause bad odors.
• Air vents and ductwork: Remove vent covers and check for dust buildup or mold.
• Under furniture and rugs: Spills, pet accidents, or trapped moisture can lead to lingering smells.
• Garbage cans and recycling bins: Even after emptying, residue can stick to the sides. Give them a deep clean with baking soda and vinegar.

Use natural deodorizers to neutralize odors: The elimination

Once you’ve located (or narrowed down) the source, eliminate the smell with these effective, non-toxic solutions:

• Baking soda: A powerhouse odor absorber. Sprinkle it on carpets, in trash cans, or inside shoes, then vacuum after a few hours.
• Activated charcoal: Great for trapping VOCs and musty smells—place bowls in problem areas.
• White vinegar: Cuts through grease and kills bacteria. Use it to wipe down surfaces or pour down drains to neutralize sewage smells.
• Essential oils: A few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon oil mixed with water make a great air freshener and disinfectant.
• Natural perfume: Simmer citrus peels, cinnamon, and cloves on the stove for a natural home fragrance.
• Coffee beans: Place coffee grounds in a bowl to absorb stubborn odors.

How can I improve home ventilation to prevent future odors?

Bad smells thrive in poorly ventilated spaces. To keep your home fresh long term:

• Open windows daily – Even in winter, a few minutes of airflow helps.
• Use exhaust fans – Run them during and after cooking, showering, or doing laundry.
• Invest in an air purifier – Helps remove VOCs, pet dander, and mold spores.
• Dehumidify damp areas – Basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms benefit from moisture control.
• Call a professional –If you’ve tried everything and the bad odors persist, it might be time to call in a professional. Plumbers, mold specialists, HVAC technicians, and pest control experts can diagnose and resolve stubborn odor issues before they become bigger problems.

Something smells in my house and I can’t find it: Final thoughts

Tracking down mysterious home smells can feel like a scavenger hunt. However, with patience and the right approach, you can banish bad smells for good. Remember, taking action quickly ensures a fresher, safer home.

Have you ever dealt with a mysterious odor? Share your tips in the comments!

Written by Ramona Sinha. April 3, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.